Hartlepool’s much-anticipated FREE Fireworks Spectacular is back on Saturday 1 November, with an unforgettable afternoon and evening of entertainment, excitement and celebration on Seaton Carew prom.
Running from 2pm to 8pm in the area around the Clock Tower, the Hartlepool Borough Council event will see the seafront buzzing with activity, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Headline sponsor X-energy, which is leading on new nuclear investment in the town, is once again backing the event.
From the moment it starts, visitors can explore a lively children’s fairground, tuck into delicious street food and soak up the atmosphere with music and entertainment throughout the day.
From 3pm, the creative team at Bee Enchanted CIC will bring a touch of magic with circus and hoop workshops open to all ages. Their light-up stilt walkers will glide through the crowds, while Azra the amazing colour-changing dragon puppet will invite families to follow her glowing trail along the promenade.
Azra and her amazing colour-changing dragon
As the afternoon unfolds, the energy will build with live stage performances kicking off from 4.30pm, hosted by Shakk from BBC Tees.
The spotlight will shine on local talent, including the award-winning Miss Toni’s Academy, known for their powerful vocals, musical theatre magic and infectious feel-good energy.
Adding to the excitement, AJ Theatrical Productions will give audiences a first look at the cast of their upcoming Hartlepool Christmas pantomime Snow White, with a special performance and walkabout meet-and-greet.
Hartlepool panto stars on stage
As night falls, Bee Enchanted will deliver a stunning LED performance, culminating in a high-energy fire-hoop and laser finale by Penella Bee.
The highlight of the evening comes at 7.30pm, when the sky above Seaton Carew will erupt in colour in the spectacular “Anthems in the Sky” fireworks display, set to a powerful musical soundtrack, bringing a breathtaking end to a magical day.
The fireworks will be launched from two points on the beach in the area between the bus station and the children’s play area, giving the audience a larger viewing area to spread out and enjoy the display.
For safety reasons, there will be no access to the beach itself and sparklers are not permitted at the event.
Delicious food and drink will be available throughout the site, with local favourites including Lucca Pizza Company, Barista Sisters, Aunt Nat’s Diner, Nathaniel’s Sweet Treats, Mr Whippy and Doughvine Desserts.
A relaxed viewing area will also be available near Lofty’s Crazy Golf, with refreshments from The Seahorse Coffee Box and Piccadilly Ices.
This year’s event will also offer a sneak peek at the upcoming Wintertide Festival, with more details to be revealed soon!
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “This event is about more than fireworks — it’s about rebuilding pride in Hartlepool.
“We understand that times are tough and families are feeling the pressure, but this is a moment for us all to come together and enjoy this event, celebrate our town, and remind ourselves of everything that makes Hartlepool special.
“Events like this are a powerful way to show that Hartlepool is a place full of heart, talent and community spirit.
“We’re proud to deliver this as a free event for everyone – massive thanks go to X-energy as our headline sponsor.
“So please come down, support our local businesses, and make a real day of it. Let’s show the North East what Hartlepool is all about!”
Leon Flexman, X-energy’s Corporate Affairs Director (UK), said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Hartlepool Fireworks Spectacular again this year.
“We know how well Hartlepool does these fantastic community events — there was such a wonderful atmosphere last year and it was great to see thousands of people having so much fun.
“X-energy plans to be part of the local community for decades to come, and we’re proud to support events that bring people together and celebrate everything that makes Hartlepool shine.”
With so much to see and do, visitors are encouraged to arrive early, explore the seafront, and support the fantastic local businesses that help make this event so special.
Stunning fire displays
The Council has also issued some important information on traffic and parking, to help the event run smoothly.
As in previous years, The Front at Seaton Carew between the Station Lane and Elizabeth Way junctions will be closed to traffic from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. For safety reasons, the Council will be operating a tow-away policy for any vehicles parked in this area during the day.
Given the event’s popularity, the advice to people is – please walk if possible or take public transport.
Limited parking is available in the following areas:
- The Seaview ‘Sandy’ Car Park just south of the Seaton Carew Clock Tower (650 spaces). Parking in the Seaview Car Park will be free from 2pm.
If you park in the Seaview Car Park, when you leave you will only be able to turn left until The Front is reopened.
- The Hartlepool Bay Car Park near Newburn Bridge (62 spaces).
Disabled car parking is available in both car parks.
- Along the section of Coronation Drive between Warrior Drive and the steelworks bridge access road – parking restrictions will be suspended on the northbound side of the road only from mid-afternoon.
Demand for parking is expected to be high, so please get there early!
For operational and safety reasons, the Rocket House Car Park will be closed throughout the whole day and will not be available for parking. On-street parking will be suspended on The Front between Station Lane and Church Street.
Any visitors who park in residential streets are asked to please park legally and considerately – parking enforcement teams will be in operation to deal with inconsiderate or illegal parking.
Event parking will not be permitted on De Havilland Way and in the wider Dunes housing estate – parking will be strictly for residents only.
Traffic management staff will be in place on roads near to the event to provide advice and guidance.
If the immediate area around Seaton Carew becomes heavily congested, road closures may be applied at the Power Station roundabout, the Golden Flatts roundabout and Newburn Bridge.
Keep an eye on the Council’s social media channels for updates, full timings and behind-the-scenes previews in the lead-up to the big night!